It is a difficult problem when one has to balance the role of "patient
advocate" and looking at the bigger picture - i.e. that of rationing. I do
feel that the imposition of PCGs with a "funding gap" onto GPs will only
serve to force GPs to do what they have been trained to do - look after
patients without moralising on their lifestyle. I am horrified at the
thought of patients self-funding cancer chemotherapy - sign of things to
come!!?
Anwar
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Beeby <[log in to unmask]>
To: GP-UK <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 22 November 1998 15:45
Subject: The reality of rationing.
>Shahid has told us all of his experiences trying to persuade a few awkward
>customers that ranitidine and Zantac are the same, and just as effective as
>each other when prescribed appropriately. Those that cannot understand the
>argument, or who chose to refuse the logic, or who fail to appreciate that
>there is anything other than their own point of view, to not deserve his
>help.
>
>During the last week, I have been trying to come to terms with the reality
>of rationing. I received a discharge letter from the hospital advising me
>that a patient was self- funding their treatment. Nothing you, I hear you
>say, but self- funding Viagra or other non- essentials is one thing; self-
>funding cancer chemotherapy is quite another.
>
>I have always explain to patients that we have a policy of generic
>prescribing, and have met little resistance to this. Most patients accept
>that the pot of money available to the NHS is not bottomless. Even I know
>that the NHS cannot afford every treatment, but I still find myself deeply
>distressed that someone's last hope of extending their life depends on
>whether they have the money.
>
>In the same week I continue to treat smokers with coughs, drinkers with
>stomach upsets, diabetics who won't stop eating cakes etc etc. I can
>rationalise the issue, say that Taxol is a treatment with limited success
>and is very expensive. But then so are many other healthcare treatments.
>
>Bill Beeby
>GP - Middlesbrough UK
>* (SMTP) [log in to unmask]
>* (x400) [log in to unmask]
>* Fax 01642-270055 PGP key available.
>
>
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